St. Maarten Weather in December - Temperatures and Rainfall

After three truly bad months, St. Maarten weather in December shows a little mercy from the rainfall.

This southeast Caribbean island is a top destination for eastern and southern Caribbean cruises.

It is popular because of the lively cruise port at Philipsburg, the island’s most famous beach at Orient Bay and a variety of excursions to smaller nearby islands such as Anguilla and St. Barths.

Most Caribbean destinations including St. Maarten see the worst weather of the year from September through November thanks to the annual hurricane season.

The season starts in June and peaks in September and October for most Caribbean islands. But St. Maarten actually has its worst month of the year in November for total rainfall.

The following weather averages are based on 30-year historical records. Actual results will vary from year to year.

Average Rainfall

December Weather Stats

Avg. High85 degrees F

Avg. Low75 degrees F

Rain Inches4

Rain Days13

The total rainfall in St. Maarten during December averages about four inches. That total is better than the six inches in November but not as good as the two to three inches from January through July (except for a brief jump to four inches in May).

The average number of days it rains is 13.3, which is about the same as August through November.

The sun avoids complete cloud cover and shines more than 71 percent of the time or about 21 days a month, which is better than the seven previous months.

The above averages are better than the fall months but not as good as late winter to early summer.

Average Temperatures

St. Maarten stays warm even in December with an average high temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 75 degrees.

Temperatures aren’t as warm as late spring through late fall, but they decline only about four degrees on average.

Unlike some northern destinations in the Caribbean during December, swimming at St. Maarten beaches shouldn’t be a problem with sea water temperatures hovering around 81 degrees.

Whether to Go

St. Maarten weather in December shouldn’t stop anyone from going to this appealing Caribbean island.

It is one of the better options for people wanting to get some warmth and sunshine in the first month of winter.

January and February usually have less rainfall, but they also are a few degrees cooler.